365 Exciting Ways to Live: Excitement # : 89. Respect Personal Space

Respect Personal Space

Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential.

– Will Cuppy

People want privacy. Learn to respect the personal space of others. When we know someone very well, sometimes we take them for granted. Without our being aware of it, we may intrude into their personal space. Some people may not like it. Some may feel embarrassed to express this. Some others may tell you bluntly and you may not like it. Even among very close relationships such as husband and wife, there is a personal space.

Check for the following traits in you:

·         Do you ask very personal questions to your friends?

·         Do you offer unsolicited advice?

·         Do you give unsolicited criticisms?

·         Do you offer unsolicited suggestions?

·         Do you point out others’ mistakes, which they may not like?

·         Do you barge into others’ office without appointment?

·         Do you take undue liberties with your friends?

These are the areas, where you’ve to be very careful with respect to personal space. Respecting others’ personal space is good manners. Maintaining good rapport and interpersonal relationship is an art. We should be diplomatic and graceful when moving with others.

(From my book '365 Exciting Ways to Live')

NC Sridharan

www.thetimefoundation.com

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365 Exciting Ways to Live: Excitement # 87. Respect Others’ Time

Respect Others’ Time

Time = Life; therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life.

– Alan Lakein

Are you sensitive to others’ priorities? If you want people to respect your priorities, you should respect their priorities. Time is a scarce resource which should not be wasted, whether it is your time or others’.

Check if you do the following:

• Do you waste others’ time by involving them in unnecessary conversation, especially if you are in such a position that they cannot avoid?
• Do you engage others on long telephone conversations, insensitive to time?
• Do you make people wait without any reason?
• Do you make unreasonable demands on their time regardless of their time pressure?
• Do you interrupt others very often affecting their flow of work?

·         Do you force your priorities on others using your power and authority?

Some people may not express their embarrassment, if you are not sensitive to their priorities. They may not feel comfortable to say ‘no’ to your demands on their time.

Over the next week, audit your own style with respect to the above factors. If you value others’ time and priorities, they will also reciprocate the same sentiment!

(From my b00k  '365 Exciting Ways to Live')

N C Sridharan
www.thetimefoundation.com
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